Our 52nd Competition

Progress, Volume XII, Issue 4, 1 December 1916, Page 799

Our 52nd Competition

Wo offer a prize of £1 Is. Od. and a second prize of 10/6 to the two best designs submitted for Banking Premises (A problem to illustrate the value of Axial Planning), in accordance with the following conditions: — One of the leading Banks propose erecting a new branch building in the foremost city of the Dominion: the site chosen is situated at the juncture of two principal streets.

It is desired that the banking chamber shall extend as nearly as possible the full width of the site, and also that the same shall be symmetrical. In this instance a corner entrance must be arranged for, and no columns or piers are to occupy the floor space of the chamber. The accommodation required must include in addition to the banking chamber, manager’s room with fireplace, staff toilets and cloak rooms for both sexes, stationery room, staff luncheon room with small kitchen, living room and bedroom for janitor. The first floor to be so arranged with offices that it will be suitable for rental purposes, proper accommodation must be provided for both sexes in the way of lavatories etc., and a separate tenant’s entrance given from the street. There is further accommodation that should be provided for in modern banking premises, and the student is invited to include in his design any other features he may

-consider desirable. In planning, economy of space must be constantly borne in mind, and as the banking chamber .should be well proportioned in height to the floor area, the student is asked to consider, carefully, some means whereby the other rooms, etc., may be also proportional in height to their floor area. Good lighting is of the utmost importance and it is necessary that the plan should show the positions of the counters etc. allowing generous space for the ''Public." ■■■■■;

The elevations must express the purpose of the building and although cost is of no object, anything in the nature of vulgar and meretricious ornament must be avoided. It is suggested that the facades be treated in the style of the French or the Italian Renaissance. Drawings required are: —Plan of each floor; longitudinal section to 1/16 in. scale; elevation of one ,side and also of corner to i in. scale; one detail of a portion of the banking chamber for the full height, and showing a section of the portion so taken (not to include any counters or fittings) to i in. scale. Drawings to be in ink, but elevations must have shadows cast at angle of 45 deg. and window openings may have graded .washes. No perspective. Mr. Claude Jones, Lie. R.1.8.A., who has kindly set this subject has generously offered an "extra" prize of one ;guinea to the best design sent in. He explains in a letter to the editor that the problem requires "thought" on the part of the student, "r,d is a subject that should be of great .benefit to the student.

Designs must be sent in, in black and white under a nom-de-plume, addressed to Progress, 8 Farish Street, Wellington, and marked clearly "Fifty-second Prize Competition'' on outside with a covering letter giving competitor's name, and address of employer. Designs to be sent in by March 21st, 1917.